Hamas says it will release Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander

Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander is expected to be released soon in Gaza, a senior Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday — a move that key Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt described as an encouraging step toward reviving ceasefire talks in the war-torn enclave.

The Hamas official did not provide a specific timeline for Alexander’s release, but a source familiar with the matter told Reuters it is likely to occur on Tuesday.

Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier born and raised in New Jersey, is believed to be the last surviving American hostage held by the Palestinian group. Hamas said his release is part of broader efforts to reach a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, however, said early Monday that Israel had not agreed to any ceasefire or prisoner exchange, only to a safe corridor to facilitate Alexander’s release.

Trump to visit Middle East this week

U.S. President Donald Trump will visit the Middle East this week. His special envoy Adam Boehler said news of Alexander's release was a positive step forward.

"We would also ask that Hamas release the bodies of four other Americans that were taken," Boehler added.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was grateful to all those involved.

"This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones," Trump said.

A Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history.

Israel's latest offensive has killed more than 52,800 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and has devastated the Gaza Strip, leaving its 2.3 million population depending on aid supplies that have been dwindling rapidly since Israel imposed a blockade in March.

Releasing Alexander 'encouraging' step

In a joint statement, Qatar and Egypt said Hamas' agreement to free Alexander was an "encouraging" step towards the warring parties returning to Gaza ceasefire talks, which have stalled since March.

Exiled Gaza Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya said efforts to facilitate Alexander's release have been jointly carried out by Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

"The movement affirms its readiness to immediately start intensive negotiations and make serious efforts to reach a final agreement to end the war, exchange prisoners in an agreed-upon manner," Hayya said.

Remaining hostages

Hamas had released 38 hostages under a ceasefire that began on Jan. 19. In March, Israel's military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the ceasefire after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war.

Israeli officials said that offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are freed and Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas insists it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to lay down its arms.

Israel, which is in control of around a third of Gaza's territory, said in May it will expand its Gaza offensive.